India lets BGB use its roads for patrol

Bangladesh Border Guard personnel can use Indian roads along the Indo-Bangla border for patrolling the remote areas where Bangladesh has no road links, said Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan.

"I told Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh that we have some remote areas without road links and he assured me that Bangladesh Border Guard personnel can use their road for patrolling," he said yesterday while briefing reporters at his Secretariat office on the outcome of his recent India visit.

If any BGB man meets an accident during patrol on Indian land, he would get treatment at an Indian hospital, the Home boss added.

During his meeting with his Indian counterpart in Delhi on July 28, Kamal expressed concern over the rise in border killings by the Indian Border Security Force in last two years and asked India to bring it down to zero level.

"Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh has assured me of taking necessary measures to that end and checking illegal drug trafficking through the border," Kamal said.

On the extradition treaty signed by Kamal and Singh, he said after signing the treaty both the countries can now bring wanted criminals holed up on the other side of the border.

“We have given India a list of criminals hiding across the border after committing crimes in Bangladesh,” he added.

The home minister also said India has assured him of help to fight militancy by sharing information and experience and providing more training to law enforcers.

Kamal also said he had requested his Indian counterpart to ease the visa process for Bangladesh nationals, especially the senior citizens and freedom fighters, who visit India every day on business, medical, study and visit purposes.

“In reply, they said they'll consider it,” he said.

He also requested the Indian authorities to take necessary steps regarding the change of route while returning from India.

Responding to another query, the minister said a lake with walkways would be built in the place of old Dhaka Central Jail.

“A museum will be built at the place where the four national leaders were assassinated. Besides, a shopping mall with modern facilities will be set up,” Kamal added.